Yosemite National Park
The jaw-dropping head-turner of America’s national parks, and a Unesco World Heritage site, Yosemite (yo-sem-it-ee) garners the devotion of all who enter. From the waterfall-striped granite walls buttressing emerald-green Yosemite Valley to the skyscraping giant sequoias catapulting into the air at Mariposa Grove, the place inspires a sense of awe and reverence – four million visitors wend their way to the country’s third-oldest national park annually. But lift your eyes above the crowds and you’ll feel your heart instantly moved by unrivaled splendors: the haughty profile of Half Dome, the hulking presence of El Capitan, the drenching mists of Yosemite Falls, the gemstone lakes of the high country’s subalpine wilderness and Hetch Hetchy’s pristine pathways.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Yosemite National Park
With their massive stature and multi-millennium maturity, the chunky high-rise sequoias of Mariposa Grove will make you feel rather insignificant. The…
Yosemite National Park
If you drove, the views from 7214ft Glacier Point might make you feel like you cheated – superstar sights present themselves without your having made…
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's most distinctive natural monument, Half Dome is 87 million years old and has a 93% vertical grade – the sheerest cliff in North America…
Yosemite National Park
At nearly 3600ft from base to summit, El Capitan ranks as one of the world’s largest granite monoliths. Its sheer face makes it a world-class destination…
Yosemite National Park
At the southwestern end of the valley, Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620ft. The Ahwahneechee people call it Pohono (Spirit of the Puffing Wind), as gusts often…
Yosemite National Park
West of Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls is considered the tallest waterfall in North America, dropping 2425ft (740m) in three tiers. A slick trail leads…
Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
Yosemite National Park
Built by the Sierra Club in 1903, this small, rustic, granite-and-wood lodge offers a glimpse of a relatively unknown chapter of California architecture…
Yosemite National Park
This ‘honey, hit the brakes!’ viewpoint, midway between the May Lake turnoff and Tenaya Lake, is a lunar landscape of glaciated granite with a stunning…
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Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Traveling with Kids
From things to do as a family to what to pack, here's everything you need to know about visiting to Yosemite with children.
Read articleBest Road Trips
The roads around Yosemite National Park are a driving utopia. Here are the very best road trip routes.
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Latest stories from Yosemite National Park
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Destination PracticalitiesThese are the best times to visit Yosemite National ParkMar 28, 2024 • 4 min read
Destination Practicalities7 things you need to know before visiting Yosemite National ParkMar 28, 2024 • 8 min read
National ParksYosemite National Park to temporarily close due to expected snowmelt floodingApr 28, 2023 • 2 min read
Family Travel7 of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park with childrenFeb 10, 2023 • 6 min read
National Parks11 of the most stunning waterfalls to see at Yosemite National Park and how to see themMar 10, 2022 • 8 min read
- HikingYosemite brings back reservation system for 2022 amid congestion and construction concerns
Feb 17, 2022 • 3 min read
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